Oral Kaposi's sarcoma in immunosuppressed patients: report of cases

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Kaposi sarcoma is a vascular neoplasm composed of endothelium-lined vascular spaces and spindle-shaped cells. It often manifests with multiple vascular nodules on the skin and other organs. Kaposi sarcoma is rare in HIV negative patients and it is associated with HHV-8 infection. There are four types classic, endemic, iatrogenic and HIV-associated. Patients with HIV/AIDS are also at increased risk of developing Kaposi sarcoma. Objective: The aim of this article is to present two cases of Kaposi sarcoma in the hard palate of HIV/AIDS male patients. Case report and conclusion: Kaposi sarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any AIDS patient who presents with bluish, smooth, firm, nonpulsatile macule or nodule in the region of the hard palate. Development of Kaposi sarcoma in the oral cavity also has prognostic implications for untreated HIV patients, who are found to have higher death rates than patients affected only by cutaneous disease.